Source Link:
https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/ready-to-get-started/fast-track-guide# Fast Track Guide
Even though the USPS loves working with us, they still have to charge for sending mail. Even if you are on the Developer edition of Lob, before you get started we'll ask you to input your payment information, then add [Lob Credits](../../account-management/billing/lob-credits), so you are prepared to send mail!
## Step 1: How do you plan to execute your mail?
In the Lob dashboard
* Send mail via [Campaigns](../reaching-your-audience/campaign-audience-guide), our user-friendly interface built atop our APIs. We support one-time (1:many, targeted outreach), or automated (1:1, based on a trigger) campaigns.
Programmatically
* [API Documentation](https://docs.lob.com/) - Every developer knows that the path to getting a successful integration up and running starts here. You’ll be provided an example of each type of Lob API request and response, so you can build an integration that works for you/your team.
* [Campaigns API](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/building-a-mail-strategy/campaign-or-triggered-sends/send-campaigns-via-the-api) - What if you want to send large-scale direct mail campaigns but don’t want to execute them manually via the campaign tool? Well, you’re in luck! Learn how you can achieve the same efficiency but via the Campaigns API so you can automate your sends.
## Step 2: Who are you sending to?
Audience
* For a one-time campaign, you'll need your audience data (.csv); see here for how to [format your addresses](../reaching-your-audience/all-about-addresses).
* To set up and send automated or triggered campaigns, you'll want to connect directly to you customer data. Learn more about our Integrations here.
## Step 3: What creative type are you going to be using?
HTML
* [Dynamic Personalization](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/designing-mail-creatives/dynamic-personalization) - One of the most powerful tools you have available to you when sending direct mail with Lob is the ability to make every piece unique to each recipient. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of Lob’s HTML capabilities.
* [Design Specifications](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/designing-mail-creatives/mail-piece-design-specs) - Whether you are sending a single postcard or millions of letters, our design guidelines will ensure your direct mail designs are created in the correct layouts and dimensions, so they’ll render exactly as expected when produced.
* [Best Direct Mail Campaigns](https://www.lob.com/best-direct-mail-campaigns) - Get inspired by campaign examples from some of the best of the best.
* [Template Gallery](https://www.lob.com/template-gallery) - Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Hit the ground running with several pre-made examples and even use them as a foundation to build your creatives.
PDF
* [Artboard Layout ](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/designing-mail-creatives/creative-formatting#pdf-guidelines-14)- Here are some design layout and dimension guides you’ll want to keep in mind.
* [Creative Formatting](../designing-mail-creatives/creative-formatting) - Learn more about formatting and ensuring your [artwork is print-ready](../designing-mail-creatives/creative-formatting/pdf-preflight-checklist).
* [Template Gallery](https://www.lob.com/template-gallery) - Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here you can take inspiration from several pre-made examples and even use them as a foundation to build your own unique creative
## Step 4: How do you plan to measure the success of your mail?
Lob dashboard
* [Tracking](../getting-data-and-results/tracking-your-mail) - One of the most powerful advantages of using Lob is that you can have visibility of any individual mail piece as it moves across the entire print production and delivery process.
* [Mail Analytics](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/getting-data-and-results/mail-analytics) - Every team measures unique insights to ensure you hit your targets. Discover a few views that cover some of the most important metrics you should care about.
* [Metadata](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/building-a-mail-strategy/managing-mail-settings/using-metadata) - Gain a deeper understanding of your mail data at a mail piece, recipient, batch, or campaign level by adding your own data labels.
Custom analytics
* [Webhooks](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/getting-data-and-results/using-webhooks) - Leverage webhook functionality to take asynchronous action and enhance your line of sight for the mail that is requested.
* [Metadata](https://help.lob.com/print-and-mail/building-a-mail-strategy/managing-mail-settings/using-metadata) - Gain a deeper understanding of your mail data at a mail piece, recipient, batch, or campaign level by adding your own data labels.